Posted on 06/30/2013 7:45:43 PM PDT by kristinn
Prescott Fire Department confirmed 19 firefighters have died while battling the Yarnell Hill fire on Sunday night. They're part of the Prescott Granite Mountain Hot Shots.
The wildfire was likely caused by a lightning strike Saturday night.
The Yarnell Hill fire, about 35 miles southwest of Prescott, has burned about 1,300 acres and forced the evacuation of 50 homes.
The fire started Friday and has not yet burned down any structures, but Sunday night firefighters pushed the blaze back away from communities, hoping to keep the blaze from overtaking any homes.
A growing fire in Yarnell forced about 600 residents from their homes.
(Excerpt) Read more at myfoxphoenix.com ...
all were sons of Prescott area firefighters and average age is 22 years old
Ugh.
One young gal on the team from the other thread’s picture.
I’m at the office apt near Bell Rd and 19th ave and the wind is blowin something fierce
We feel we've lost brothers. We feel for the loss, and those left behind.
We learn a creed here and I want to share it if I may.
When lives are in danger
Though your own is in doubt
You still have to go in
You don't have to come out.
These brave firefighters did all they could until they could do more.
Salute.
I’m in Maricopa in Pinal County. We had a dust storm earlier and howling winds all evening. The lights kept flickering earlier but no rain and only a little lightening.
Brave men!
In my youth, I was attached to a County fire-fighting unit in Saugus, CA. I fought many brush fires and a couple of structure fires in that unit. No one has any idea of the word "heat" until they do such. We had not heat protection other than our shovels to keep the heat off our faces, while trying to dig out the flames.
While running into structural fire as trained, I was almost electrocuted by a downed powerline. I saw it sparking and back off immediately. I was a lucky one. Another crew mention was not so lucky. He was my friend.
Some months after I had left, everyone in my crew #4 was burnt to death (except for the truck/water boy down below) due to an inexperienced city crew chief who mistakenly trapped them into a canyon. Some 10 or 12 young boys perished. Sorry, to far back to remember how many were attached to a crew, but do remember it was my crew that perished.
In structural fires flashbacks/blowouts/structural failures are the cause of the deaths of fire-fighters. In brush fires, it's usually because of blowups (as used to be called), where the fire ignites dried brush fuel sitting in a canyon and ignites everything and races up a hill and over and catches the crew on the other side by surprise. Could have the terminology wrong since it was in 1960's.
Also, as flight deck personnel, I've practiced fire-fighting and remember all the films of the various fires/explosions during training regarding the Oriskany and Forrestal. They were devasting to both carriers. Safety procedures have been in place since then.
While I support most LEO's, our Fire-fighters are the most brave and selfless amongst any civilian force. They go where no one else will, not even most cops.
My respect and yes, feelings go out to those genuine heroes, who actually earn the name. I will cry tonight for their honor and dedication, as I've cried for so many fire-fighters in the past, especial crew Number 4 of Saugus, Cal.
Rodger Hunter Los Angeles County forrestry fire-fighter 1967 to 1968. Navy fire-fighter: 1975-1987. Flight deck fire-fighter.
That is the perfect credo for any fireman. Thank you and may and may you have cool hose lines on your back.
I’m so sorry to hear that. These brave firefighters put their lives on the line to protect people they don’t even know. They are heroes. My God welcome them into his kingdom, and may he be with their families in this difficult time.
Some things I found on *gasp* Facebook.
“In Light of the Tragedy as a result of the Yarnell fire and to Honor of America’s Heros, the Firefighters, Lamb of God Bible Church will be opening its doors Monday, July 1st and Tuesday, July 2nd round the clock. On Wednesday, from 5:00-8:00pm, we invite you to come enjoy a delicious hamburger & hot dog BBQ (with all the fixins’).
While you’re at the church, please feel free to step into our Sanctuary where a “River of God’s Love” is flowing!! Come and pray for the families of our Firefighters who lost their lives and those who are still being called to battle the fire(s).
Come One - Come All. LoGBC is located at 2615 E. 7th Avenue.
Donations will be accepted and all money raised will go to support the families of the fallen Hot Shots...
SEE YOU THERE!
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The Town of Wickenburg has opened up the rodeo grounds for horse and livestock evacuation. Additionally, I know of 2 households for horse evacuation.
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Prescott College is offering its Village residence hall (7-8 person
condo units with shared kitchen and capability to house families and
disabled individuals) as temporary shelter for victims of the fire
tragedy. Contact Shar or Bill at 928-713-8915 or
Shar.jenniges@prescott.edu.
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Hassayampa Inn: We have 10 rooms available complimentary for Yarnell evacuees for 2 nights. Please call us at 928.778.9434 or 1.800.322.1927 to make arrangements!
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http://www.wffoundation.org/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=5
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(I can not vouch for the donation site...perhaps someone can for me?)
Back in the late 50s/early 60s they had something similar happen in a place called Mann Gulch (I believe in Montana). A group of firefighters was caught on a grass-covered hill by a wildfire. Their senior guy survived when he lit a small fire in the grass then lay down in the burnt-out section (and the wildfire passed around him); he was slightly burned but OK. The remainder tried to out run it up the hill, and wouldn’t drop their equipment (which slowed them down). Those that didn’t die immediately died within the next few days; I believe it was 17 of them.
Sorry this tragedy took place. So many people will be affected negatively. So sad.
After he slaps a few more travel stickers on AF1.
Just shut up. Please. I’m as repelled by him as anyone, but Presidents travel. Get over it. This has zero to do with Obama.
My brother in law is a firefighter in Prescott, and I’m trying to find out information right now. And stupid comments like yours don’t help.
Prayers up for these brave heroes.
I think the book about the Mann Fire was by Sebastian Junger called “Young Men and Fire.”
Prayers up for your brother.
Norman Maclean wrote Young Men and Fire.
He was the English professor celebrated at the time his autobiographical story A River Runs Through It was made into a movie.
He fought wild fire in his youth.
Thanks, for some reason Junger was stuck in my head.
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